Momentum is building for next week’s Lakes Hospitality Trade Show.
More than 150 wide-ranging exhibitor stands from a variety of industry sectors are confirmed to take part.
The free event will bring together hospitality businesses and suppliers from across Cumbria and the North of England, exhibitors also include companies representing everything from soft furnishings and interiors to transport and IT technology, as well as food and drink suppliers, catering equipment and wide-ranging professional services such as insurance, legal and financial support.
Organisers say it’s a stepping stone for both exhibitors and visitors, enabling them to grow and to sell business to business.
Billed as a unique annual opportunity for firms to get all their potential suppliers together under one roof to discuss current challenges, share potential solutions with other industry professionals and be among the first to view innovative new products and services.
Go Your Own Way Apparel is one of the exhibitors. The brainchild of Workington-based Rachel Gaw, who designs and makes a wide range of personalised, travel and adventure gifts inspired by The Lake District.
Rachel said: “As well as working directly with retailers to sell items wholesale, I have a small range of carefully curated wedding-themed products and, am increasingly working with the tourism and hospitality sector too, creating bespoke items for their customers and their businesses.
“Attending last year’s show definitely opened new doors for me. As I design and make everything myself, meeting people face-to-face and directly showcasing my personalised approach is integral to building my own business – plus it’s a great selling point for other businesses wanting to work with a local creative who can help them stand out from the crowd.
“Also, being a small business owner can sometimes feel like an isolated place to be, so talking directly about challenges and sharing ideas is really invaluable. It’s amazing what can come out of some general chit-chat over a cup of coffee!
She added: “I made some great business contacts – and friends – at the 2022 event, so I’m looking forward to making the most of this year’s show.”
The Cumberland is a specialist commercial mortgage provider for hospitality businesses such as hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts. It provides holiday let mortgages and commercial mortgages for other types of businesses.
Grant Seaton, Senior Commercial Manager, said: “The Cumberland Building Society has been a proud supporter of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show for many years.
“It was fantastic to see all the local businesses come together again last year for the first time since the pandemic – the breadth of hospitality businesses in Cumbria and the surrounding areas is truly inspiring and it’s great to be part of an event that celebrates the best of what our county has to offer.
“The show provides a great way for us to get involved with our local communities, demonstrate our support for the hospitality and tourism sector and continue creating ‘kinder banking’ experiences aligned with our purpose.”
Book tickets online at:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here